The Airdrie and District Community Foundation has $255,000 in federal grant money to disperse over the next six months, and nothing could make Community Foundation chair Dale Rathgeber happier.
“We have been chosen by the federal government to administer their new Community Services Recovery Fund in Airdrie,” explained Rathgeber.. “There is $255,000 available for Airdrie (and District), and I am all about, if it is there, let’s get it.”
According to the federal government’s description of the grant, these one-time funds are intended to help charities adapt and modernize. The investment will strengthen the non-profit sector as it supports COVID-related economic recovery in communities across Canada.
“It is available to registered charities who wish to further their resilience following COVID,” confirmed Rathgeber. “This money cannot be used for programs. It has to be used for systems, equipment or gear.”
Rathgeber this $255,000 would be outside of the Airdrie and District Community Foundation’s usual funding stream.
The way community foundations work is by issuing tax receipts for donations, and holding the principal forever in investments, while donating the interest and fund earnings every year to worthwhile local charities.
Airdrie’s is the fastest growing community foundation in Canada since its inception in 2012 and the 37th fastest growing charity in Canada. According to Rathgeber, the local foundation has about $700,000 in the bank.
“That allows us to give about $30,000-$50,000 to charities in the community every year,” he said.
“This (COVID fund) is a special program. We are getting $255,000 in government money, and we have to disperse it between Jan. 6 and June 1.”
Applications to apply for the Community Services Recovery Fund must be in before Feb. 21. Registered charities can apply at communityservicesrecoveryfund.ca.
